Lady Jacket Soccer Inks a Pair of Montana Standouts (Feb. 8, 2004)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings women’s soccer coach Don Trentham has announced that two Montana all-state players have become the Yellowjackets’ first two signings of the 2004 recruiting season.  Billings West standout Brittney Sandau and Park High star Abby Bennett have signed national letters intent to play for the Jackets next season.

“We feel at this point that we were able to get two of the better players in the state, which is exciting for our program,” said Trentham.  “They are also good students, which fits in with our approach.  I think both Brittney and Abby will add speed and depth to our offense.  Five of our losses last year were by one goal, and three of them were in overtime.  These two players will help make our offense become more explosive and I expect both of them to compete for playing time right away.”

A four year starter for the Golden Bears, Sandau was the leading scorer at West High last year, leading the team in both goals and assists.  West High posted a 7-3-3 regular season record, and Sandau assisted on both goals in a 2-0 playoff victory over C.M. Russell to advance the Bears to their fourth consecutive state tournament. 

“We worked hard to get Brittney to stay in Billings,” said Trentham.  “She had other opportunities, and we’re very happy she chose us.  She will add speed to our offense and help create scoring opportunities.”

Sandau earned all conference honors three times and was named to the Class AA all state team as both a junior and a senior at forward.  Along with scoring two points in the playoff game, Sandau scored a hat trick against cross town rival Skyview HS as a senior.

“I think Coach Trentham is building a good program,” said Sandau of her choosing MSU Billings over the University of Montana.  “I wanted to play a lot right away and I think MSU Billings will give me that chance.  Coach Trentham was really professional in the recruiting.  A lot of coaches aren’t as organized and I think that reflects on the program.  I’m looking forward to the challenge of college soccer because I like to raise my level of play.  I’ll have to work hard to play at this level, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Bennett was a two-time all state player at Park High in Livingston where she led the team to fourth place finishes at the Class A state tournament as a junior and senior.  Bennett was named the team’s MVP in her junior and senior seasons, which were also Park High’s first two years of sponsoring girl’s soccer. 

“Abby scored an unbelievable number of goals the past two seasons,” said Trentham.  “She’s certainly a player who I believe will be able to put the ball in the back of the net many times in her four years here.”

Bennett led the team with 14 goals and ten assists last year as a senior.  She scored 21 of the Rangers’ 42 goals as a junior.  Bennett played her sophomore season at Westover School in Middlebury, CT. 

“Coach Trentham was really persistent and I liked him as a person,” said Bennett of her recruiting process.  “He had everything planned when he visited with you, and you knew you were going to a good program.  He convinced me that he was building something good at MSUB and that I could be a part of it.  I know it will be a big jump from high school to college, but it’s fun to be challenged and to learn.  I am looking forward to that.”